Why not consider an excursion to Luxor as part of your Egyptian experience?
We only run private trips either by luxury car for 2-3 people or by air-conditioned minibus for 4-9 people so we are able to tailor all our trips to meet the needs of your party. Please note we do not visit alabaster factories, perfume shops or markets unless requested as feedback from our guests has shown they prefer to spend more time at the sites.
You will have a private, knowledgeable tour guide with you during your visit who will help bring the sites to life and answer any questions which you may have.
Our Sample Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 05.00 and drive you through the desert where you will see the sunrise over the red sea mountains. Half way to Luxor we will stop at a service station for a ‘comfort break’, then we continue our drive towards Qena. Gradually you will see the landscape changing from barren desert to green farmland as we pass through the villages built up along the River Nile. As we drive you will see many aspects of Egyptian life, from children hurrying to school, donkeys pulling carts laden with produce, to many workers clinging to buses.
Before long we will arrive in Luxor and cross over the bridge where you will get your first view of the majestic River Nile. We make a brief stop here for a photo opportunity before continuing our journey.
The Valley of the Kings.
The Valley of the Kings (VOK) is a World Heritage Site, being the burial place of Pharaohs from the 16th to 11th century BC. To date 63 tombs have been discovered which range in size from a simple pit to a tomb with over 120 chambers. All are numbered with the prefix KV but only 18 can be opened to the public and not all at the same time.
Many of the tombs are elaborately decorated with religious texts and images including scenes of the occupant’s journey to the next world. Many originally contained numerous treasures which unfortunately were looted in ancient times.
The entrance cost includes visits to three tombs and your tour guide will advise on which are the best tombs to visit. The most famous tomb is of course that of Tutankhamun (KV 62) discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, entry into this tomb is at an additional cost.
Until recently photography photography was banned at the VOK but you are now able to take photos in the 3 tombs included in your entrance fee. Photography is not allowed in Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Queen Hatchepsut’s Mortuary Temple
Queen Hatchepsut commissioned the building of her temple soon after coming to power in 1479BC. It was designed to tell the story of her life and be the grandest of temples. The temple has three levels featuring colonnades, reliefs, paintings and statues. One of which tells the story of the expedition to the land of Punt. The temple itself is aligned to the winter solstice sunrise when the sunlight penetrates to the rear wall of the chapel highlighting one of the statues of Osiris.
The reign of Queen Hatchepsut was one of prosperity and peace with successful trade and a buoyant economy. Therefore, it seems sad that her successor and stepson Thutmose III erased her name from history and claimed her reign and accomplishments as his own.
Colossi of Memnon
On our journey back to the River Nile we will make a brief stop for photographs at the Colossi of Memnon. These are two huge statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood for 3,400 years.
Lunch is next on the itinerary, which includes 1 soft drink. More are available to purchase if you wish.
After lunch we will once again cross the Nile over to the East Bank and continue our journey into Ancient Egypt.
Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple Complex is also a World Heritage Site and is believed to be one the biggest temple complexes in the world, with around 30 pharaohs contributing to its construction over 1,500 years. It is said to be large enough to house 10 cathedrals! Here you will see amazing examples of Ancient Egyptian architecture and statuary from pylons to obelisks.
The Precinct of Amun-Ra is the main part open to the public and is where you will see the huge statue of Ramses II. The most famous part of the complex is the Hypostyle Hall with 134 huge columns in 16 rows. These are covered in orate carvings. Your guide will point out some of the more interesting carvings and explain how the temple was constructed.
You will also see the Sacred Lake and Avenue of the Sphinxes which originally ran between Karnak and Luxor Temples and has recently been excavated and restored.
You may recognise parts of the complex from several Hollywood movies such as Transformers, Death on the Nile and The Mummy Returns.
You will have some time on your own to wander round the site and take photographs before returning to your vehicle to start the journey back to Hurghada.
Once the sun has set make sure to look out of the windows at the myriad of stars visible in the sky during your journey through the desert. We will have a comfort stop half way again before returning you to your hotel at approximately 19.30.
Costs
By luxury car for 2-3 people costs £140 per adult, 1 child aged 2-11 with 2 paying adults costs £110 while a child under 2 with two paying adults is free. If you are staying in El Gouna there is an addition cost of £15 per car and £10 per car if staying in Al Ahyaa.
The cost by private mini bus for 4-9 people is £120 per adult, children 2-11 with at least 4 paying adults cost £90 while children under 2 are free with at least 4 paying adults. Please add £20 per mini bus if staying in El Gouna and £15 if staying in El Ahyaa
Other Information
We may change the itinerary due to weather or personal preference.
Ask at your hotel reception for a ‘breakfast box’ the evening before your trip.
Wear loose comfortable clothing and a hat as it can get very hot and there is little shade. Sturdy footwear is also a must as the ground is uneven in parts.
If you need assistance with mobility please inform us in advance, people are very helpful at all the sites but please note some of the Tombs at Valley of the Kings have steep steps down. Your guide will advise which will be the easiest for you and the guardians will provide assistance for a small tip.
The costs include transport, permission to travel, services of a private tour guide, lunch with one soft drink and entry fees to sites. Entrance to Tutankhamun Tomb is extra.
You should also bring suncream, camera and money for extra drinks, and tips (also bring small change as there are charges for toilets at the service station and at the sites)
We can tailor make the day to suit your needs. For example, if you have already seen the sites on our basic itinerary you can consider changing to other sites such as Luxor Temple, Luxor Museum, Valley of the Queens, Medinat Habu, Valley of the Workers, Dendera Temple. Message us to arrange this as we need to know your plans in advance. This may incur a small additional charge.